HandleBar FAQ

Top Ten HandleBar Questions

1. What can/can't I bring on The HandleBar Indy?

Snacks if you want (if you do, we recommend items that can be eaten with one hand)

Cooler/Ice/Cups (cups are needed if you bring glass)

Playlist for music (Spotify/Pandora works fine too!)

Completed e-waivers for all customers

What you can’t bring

Liquor, jello shots, personally mixed drinks or anything over 9% ABV

No more than 16 passengers per beer cycle, no exceptions

2. Does The HandleBar have electric pedal assist?

NEW FOR 2018: YES! All 8 of our Original Amsterdam-built bikes are now equipped with electric assist. These systems were uniquely designed and built for our bikes to help you out as much OR as little as you’d like! Still prefer that pure pedal power we brought to the city 6 years ago? NO problem, just let your driver know! Prefer more help? You got it!

3. How old do you have to be to ride The HandleBar?

All riders must be 18 years or older and must be 21 or older to consume alcohol.

4. What dates are available?

We operate from Mid-March through Mid-November, however, if you have a date/time outside of this window just email us at info@handlebarindy.com and we can help!

5. How many people can ride on each HandleBar?

The minimum recommended number of passengers is 6. The maximum per bike is 16. If you have a larger party, you may rent multiple bikes. The price per party bike remains fixed regardless of party size.

6. How much does a tour cost?

Pricing depends on the date/time, but if you fill the bike it’s between $25-$35/person depending on the day and time.

7. Is there music on The HandleBar?

Have you ever been to a (fun) party without music? C’mon now!

Pro Tip: Create a playlist for your day, or queue up Spotify and plug into our stereo (we’ve got you covered with the hook-ups required and the speakers/stereo).

8. Where does the tour start / end / go?

All tours Start/End at 501 Madison in the heart of downtown.

All two hours of your tour will be in the action, no wasting valuable time getting to and from your starting location! We typically make stops at the Monument Circle for a group photo and to relax a bit, then pedal up to a bar on Mass Ave. for another break, followed by a pedal down to Georgia St. for one last bar stop before ending back where we started.

9. Where do I sign this damn waiver?

10. Do You Offer Individual Seat Tours?

Yes! We offer individual seat tours on Thursday through Sunday from $20 a seat! View all availability and book however many seats you need for the barcycle here: Bookings Page.

The tour is identical to our group tours except you will be paired with others who book the same tour date/time as you. It is the perfect way to keep The HandleBar affordable for smaller groups of friends and to make new friends!

There is only one bike per tour time listed, so if you book the same time as your friend(s), you will be on the same bike.

Booking Your HandleBar Experience

How can I find available dates and times?

Visit our BOOKINGS PAGE to view all availability and book your tour. If you are within 2 days of your requested tour, please text us at 317-620-1448 and we may be able to squeeze your group in!

How do I pay?

You will need to pay in full when you finalize your booking online (Book HERE). No cash payments are accepted. We do not hold tours without full payment.

What if I want to cancel or reschedule?

Cancellations more than 14 days out you can reschedule for no cost (just shoot us an e-mail or text us) or you can get a refund to your credit card minus $25 to cover booking fees. Cancellations less than 14 days out – No refund or rain check (you are responsible for the full price of the tour, regardless of deposited amount).

Please let us know if you need to cancel, as we will do our best to fill your tour. If we can fill your spot, we will refund you in full minus $25

Do you guys sell gift certificates?

Yep, you can purchase gift certificates for any dollar amount. They’re great for birthdays, work outings or even to donate to charity auctions to generate funds.

GET GIFT CERTIFICATE

Prep: Before the Tour Starts

How do I sign the waiver?

On the day of your tour, all riders must sign the e-waiver. Each rider must show their confirmation email received after completion as well as ID to ride.

What is the weather policy?

If HandleBar judges the weather is subjectively bad enough (thunderstorms, freezing rain, etc), we will notify you at least 2 hours before the tour start time to offer a rain check. You may decide to still go as long as the weather is safe enough to ride. Never assume your ride is canceled.

We ride rain or shine. There is a large roof that overhangs in all directions to protect you from direct rain and we go into bars to dry off. No one likes to get wet when they’re dry, but once you’re wet we can tell you from experience that tours in the rain will often have more fun than not because of how much more ridiculous it makes the experience. Life is what you make of it and a HandleBar tour is no different 🙂 . Don’t believe us? Just check the reviews!

Please dress appropriately for predicted weather conditions.

How many people pedal the bike?

You bring 16 people including yourself and we provide a driver (17th person). As far as the pedaling goes, there are 10 sets of pedals. If you look closely you’ll see there are 12 “BarStools” total (6 on each side) but only 10 total pedaling seats (5 on each side). Each side also has a seat over the wheels, which means they don’t have pedals. Each beer cycle also has a bench in the back that seats 3 people who want a rest or just want to relax. The last passenger spot is in the middle of The Handlebar and is reserved for the group “bartender.”

Who can’t pedal The HandleBar?

Passengers shorter than 5’3” may have a hard time reaching pedals.

There is a maximum weight of 300 pounds for people on the bike seats.

The bench at the back of the barcycle is perfect for those who don’t fit the height and weight limitations.

Things are so different down here - where the heck should we park ?

OUR RECOMMENDATION: UBER! It’s safer, more convenient and often cheaper!

What type of clothing should we wear?

Really, anything can be worn and you’ll be okay, but remember you’re pedaling a bike so consider that when picking out our wardrobe. We do, however, recommend you not wear sandals as they can easily come off while pedaling.

What if we don’t want to drink alcohol?

No problem! We have tours where people just want to ride and enjoy the unique experience. The HandleBar is always a blast and we welcome everyone.

Can we decorate the bike?

Yes! The dimensions of the parts you can decorate can be found below. Decorations can be hung anywhere on the bike with the exception of covering our HandleBar website address. We recommend zip ties, rope, or string for attachment methods. We do not allow tape as duct tape removes the varnish from the wood and scotch tape is not strong enough to hold.

What to Expect During The Tour

Can I drink alcohol on The Handlebar?

Yes! Riders are allowed to drink beer, wine and any other type of pre-packaged drink as long as it’s under 9%ABV. If you bring glass, it cannot be accessed unless we are at one of our designated stops. If you are bringing wine we recommend plastic water bottles because cups tend to spill.

Does The HandleBar supply food or beverages?

It’s actually illegal for us to provide alcohol, but the good news is you can Bring Your Own Bar®️ Alcoholic beverages are limited to beer and wine while on the bike. Mixed drinks and hard liquor are not allowed on The Handlebar. However, pre-packaged drinks like White Claw Hard Seltzer, Bud Light Margarita in a can, JimBeam+Coke in a can or anything pre-packaged and under 9% ABV are allowed. We have tons of space on the roof rack for food, beverages, and coolers. In the middle of the bike, we have more space for large coolers 2 feet in width or less.

Can we bring a keg?

Nope, and you don’t want to. We’ve done it before and kegs get super foamy during the ride, they are harder to keep cold and it gets very messy trying to fill 16 cups throughout the tour. That and everyone is so picky these days; who can agree to all drink the same thing ?!

Cans are the way to go folks.

What route will we take?

Your driver will handle the route, unless you have specific places you really want to go. As long as parking is available, we’re more than happy to tailor the route to where you want to go. Our typical route includes stops at Monument Circle (relax on your own bar and get a great group photo), Mass Ave (Bar of your choice) and Georgia St (Bar of your choice).

Who drives this thing?

Each tour comes with your very own Bar Handler. He or She will steer the bike for you, get pictures along the way, keep you fueled and guide you through some of the coolest areas of town. We could not be more proud of the crew of young hard working Bar Handlers that have joined our team over the years.

The Bar Handler is also in charge of the bike, so what they say goes.

Do you have music on the bike?

Have you ever been to a (fun) party without music? C’mon now!

Pro Tip: Create a playlist for your day, or queue up Spotify and plug into our stereo (we’ve got you covered with the hook-ups required and the speakers/stereo).

What if our tour takes too long?

You will be charged a late fee if you do not return The HandleBar to the starting point on time. The time it takes to complete a tour is up to the people pedaling. The Bar Handler will assist in keeping you on time. We have test-pedaled all routes and know how long they take. We have never had this be an issue!

Ready to Book?

Are you ready for an incredibly unique downtown Indy experience?
Book your HandleBar experience today and see Detroit like you’ve never seen it.